Tool Crib Lead (Machinist Driven Environment)

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Built by Machinists. Led by Tooling Experts.

If you’re a machinist or senior tool crib professional who knows tooling like the back of your hand—and understands how the right cutter, insert, or drill directly impacts part quality, cycle time, and safety—this role is for you.

We’re seeking a Tool Crib Lead who brings real machining experience to the table. You’ll be the go-to expert supporting shop and field machinists by ensuring tooling is optimized, staged, tracked, and ready—every shift, every job. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who’s lived on the shop floor and knows what machinists need to do their best work.

Safety, precision, and uptime come first—always.

Requirements

Tool Crib & Machining Tool Management

• Receive, stock, stage, and issue all cutting tools, inserts, holders, gages, perishable tooling, and project equipment.
• Assist in selecting tooling for machinists based on material, blueprint requirements, tolerances, and machining processes.
• Support CNC and manual machinists by ensuring correct tooling is available for production and field work.
• Assist in preparing tooling packages for field mobilizations, proactively anticipating job-specific needs.
• Track issued and returned tools using manual logs and electronic inventory systems.
• Inspect tooling condition to ensure it meets quality, safety, and performance standards.
• Maintain logical, organized storage locations that machinists can rely on.
• Identify tooling wear trends and recommend replacements or upgrades to improve efficiency and safety.
  
  

Lead From the Floor

• Train and mentor machinists and tool crib staff on proper tool selection, handling, measurement, and preventive maintenance.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on cutting tools, specialty tooling, and machining applications.
• Partner closely with shop supervisors, manufacturing leaders, and project teams to support production schedules.
• Lead tooling optimization initiatives to control costs without sacrificing machining performance.
  
  

Operational & Material Support

• Handle shipping and receiving for UPS, FedEx, and freight carriers.
• Load/unload materials and tooling using forklifts and overhead cranes.
• Purchase assigned tooling and materials and submit replenishment requests based on machining demand forecasts.
• Complete documentation accurately, consistently, and on time.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-focused tool crib and work area.
  
  

Experience That Matters

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience as a machinist, senior tool crib attendant, or tooling specialist.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Carbide drills
• End mills
• Inserted cutters
• Boring tools and holders
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and mechanical drawings.
• Experience measuring and inspecting:
• Diameters, lengths
• Flatness and straightness
• General machining tolerances
• Machining experience (CNC or manual) strongly preferred.
  

Technical & Professional Skills

• Comfortable working in fast-paced machining environments with changing priorities.
• Proficient with Outlook, Excel, Word, and inventory tracking systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills when dealing with tooling shortages, wear issues, or non-standard jobs.
• Clear communicator with machinists, supervisors, vendors, and leadership.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple jobs and deadlines.
• Team-first mindset with pride in supporting machinists and production success.
  
  

Additional Requirements/Language & Math

• Ability to read safety procedures, travelers, production schedules, POs, and maintenance documentation.
• Working knowledge of shop math including fractions, decimals, ratios, and percentages.
  
  

Physical Demands

• Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and climbing daily.
• Lift and move up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent use of hands for tool handling and inspection.
• Strong vision and depth perception.
  
  

Work Environment

• Shop-based role with exposure to CNC machining, welding, forklifts, and overhead cranes.
• Moderate noise levels.
  
  

Certifications

• Valid driver’s license preferred.
• IPM Overhead Crane Training (required).
• IPM Forklift Training and valid forklift license (required).
  
  

Why Machinists Love This Role

• You’re not just issuing tools—you’re supporting machining excellence.
• Your machining knowledge is valued and trusted.
• You influence tooling decisions that directly impact quality, safety, and efficiency.
• You lead without being stuck behind a desk.
  
  

If you’re a machinist who understands tooling—and wants to lead from experience—apply today.